“Thank you, Hanna.” Gregory’s grateful smile warmed her better than tea ever could. “Did I hear you talking to someone?”
“Phone call. Telemarketer. I told them where they could go,” she answered.
He snorted with the derision she assumed everyone felt for telemarketers. “Then you’re my hero for tonight. You should have seen it, though. A few sparrows came to sit on the windowsill. Getting out of the wind, I think.”
“I guess you have a way with sparrows,” Hanna said, and took a step backwards. “Let me go get Laura.”
Laura, pants, and some better excuses. Because there is no one here who would believe I could exorcise telemarketers. No one can get rid of them.
10
A Different Kind of War
“Donotoverdo yourself tonight,” Laura warned, as Hanna zipped up Vivian’s evening dress.
Vivian had selected a deep burgundy number, with a lovely overlay of lace and a skirt that covered most of her legs but would not catch in the wheels of her chair. She patted Laura’s hand. “You worry too much.”
“No, I worry just enough. Your blood pressure didn’t look good last night, and your vitals hadn’t entirely bounced back this morning. If I didn’t know this party was important, I’d tell Gregory you shouldn’t go at all,” Laura said.
Hanna giggled. “You called him ‘Gregory’.”
“Of course I did. He’s not here to tease.” Laura flashed a grin, then sobered again. “I mean it, Vivian. Keep it low key. No arguing with fathead board members, no dancing, nothing like that. You make your appearances, then you come back upstairs to rest.”
“I understand. If I didn’t need to put in an appearance, I’d rest, just like you say. But the board of directors will need to see there’s consistency during this transition of power.”
“And you were Henry’s wife. I know. That’s why I’m not running right to Gregory to tattle. But if I think you’re overdoing it, I’ll come down there and drag you back to bed myself.” Laura leveled a stubborn stare on her patient.
Vivian chuckled. “I believe you. Just a couple hours. That’s all.”
“I’ll hold you to that.” Laura turned to look at Hanna. “Can you finish getting her ready without tiring her out?”
“I can. Thank you, Laura.” Hanna offered a warm smile. “I’d watch out for her if I were going to be at this party, but I’m the one who has to stay upstairs.”
“How about if we sprayed some white paint on your hair, and put you in Vivian’s dress? Think you could be a convincing double?” Laura smirked.
“No one can take Vivian’s place,” Hanna said with a laugh. “I’ve got it from here.”
“I’ll grab some dinner before the cook’s conniptions get any worse, then,” Laura said, and with a wave, disappeared out the door.
Hanna looked into the mirror to catch Vivian’s reflected gaze. “And how are youreallyfeeling?”
“Just a little tired. Last night was more excitement than I hoped for. Stuart ran to my room to hide, and I knew that meant something dire was occurring in yours.” Vivian turned her head to look over her shoulder. “What happened?”
“There are more ghosts here than Stuart. His governess, for one. And I think there are more children. I’m still looking into it.” Hanna debated her next words before deciding that information might keep upset at bay. “And the former owner of this house. Marion Pritchard. I don’t think she was kind to anyone else who lived here.”
Vivian’s brow furrowed. “You saw her?”
Saw her. Almost drowned because of her. Told her off.Though Hanna hadn’t sensed even a hint of the widow’s presence all day. Not a cold draft, not a paper overturned. Even as Hanna hoped she’d driven the ghost off for good, she knew better than to believe that was true.I can hope we have a few days of peace, though.
“I did. I made her some threats and drove her off. That was why last night settled down,” Hanna said.
Vivian reached a hand up to touch Hanna’s cheek. “We are so lucky to have you. More lucky to keep you. Have you thought about my offer?”
Hanna blushed. “I have. Your lawyer called me this morning to talk it over. I think I’d like it very much.”
Vivian beamed, looking younger and less burdened by her years than she had moments before. “Thank you. No matter what happens with Gregory, Hanna, I want you to know, you have come to mean a great deal to me. You don’t need to be close to him for me to want you to have your own start on life, and your own successes. I’m only proud you’ll let me play a part in that.”
Tears stung Hanna’s eyes. “Thank you, Vivian. I mean that. And I won’t let you down.”